Development of an autologous canine cancer vaccine system for resectable malignant tumors in dogs

J. R. Yannelli, R. Wouda, T. J. Masterson, M. G. Avdiushko, D. A. Cohen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

While conventional therapies exist for canine cancer, immunotherapies need to be further explored and applied to the canine setting. We have developed an autologous cancer vaccine (K9-ACV), which is available for all dogs with resectable disease. K9-ACV was evaluated for safety and immunogenicity for a variety of cancer types in a cohort of companion dogs under veterinary care. The autologous vaccine was prepared by enzymatic digestion of solid tumor biopsies. The resultant single cell suspensions were then UV-irradiated resulting in immunogenic cell death of the tumor cells. Following sterility and endotoxin testing, the tumor cells were admixed with CpG ODN adjuvant and shipped to the participating veterinary clinics. The treating veterinarians then vaccinated each patient with three intradermal injections (10 million cells per dose) at 30-day intervals (one prime and two boost injections). In a cohort of 20 dogs completing the study, 17 dogs (85%) developed an augmented IgG response to autologous tumor antigens as demonstrated using western blot analysis of pre- and post-peripheral blood samples. We also report several dogs have lived beyond expected survival time based on previously published data. In summary, K9-ACV is an additional option to be considered for the treatment of dogs with resectable cancer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)95-100
Number of pages6
JournalVeterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
Volume182
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2016

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was sponsored by Medivet Biologics through a grant to the University of Kentucky Research Foundation.

Funding Information:
This study was sponsored by Medivet Biologics through a grant to the University of Kentucky Research Foundation.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Elsevier B.V.

Keywords

  • Autologous
  • Cancer
  • Canine
  • Vaccine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology
  • Veterinary (all)

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